Your ultimate guide to Chester and Cheshire in a nutshell

DAY 1
YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO
CHESTER IN A NUTSHELL
It’s time to discover Chester… From ancient heritage to
contemporary culture, this compact Roman city is the
hidden gem in a north west England itinerary. Liverpool
and Manchester are both less than 45 minutes away and
train connections run to and from London in just two hours.
Chester, on the other hand offers an easy-to-explore,
city-based alternative. Roman legions founded the city as
‘Deva’, the largest Roman fortress in Britain in 70AD. Today,
it wears its heritage with pride but also celebrates a more
cultural outlook.
SOAK UP THE HISTORY
Start with a tour of Chester Cathedral, founded as a
Benedictine abbey in 1092. More adventurous visitors can
take the ‘Cathedral at Height’ tour, climbing the 216 spiral
stairs of the central tower for sweeping cityscape views
across Cheshire and North Wales.
GO BEHIND THE SCENES
Chester Tour provides small-group and bespoke tours
tailored to various themes and bookable at any time. Explore
The Rows (two-tiered medieval shopping galleries finished in
black and white timber) or collect the keys to Chester Castle
as part of the ‘Secret Chester’ walking tour (on the first
Tuesday and third Thursday of the month). The castle opens
for special events during summer months.
“The castle formed part of Edward I’s
ring of stone against the Welsh
rebellion. Visiting the chapel,
located on the first floor with priceless
paintings from the 1200s, is my
personal highlight of the tour.”
Liz Roberts, Guild of Chester Tour Guides
TAKE A BREAK
Grab some lunch at one of Chester’s great coffee shops and
browse the independent boutiques around Rufus Court and
Watergate Street. Or pop into Booth Mansion, which has been
home to wealthy merchants over the centuries and now hosts
afternoon teas in the former ballroom. Alternatively, afternoon
tea at the Chester Grosvenor offers a haven of luxury at the
heart of the city. You could even combine it with a treatment
at the day spa.